7 Chiefs Roster Questions before the next round of cuts

[The Franchise]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/7-kansa...172910649.html

1. What happens with the backup quarterbacks?

Two thoughts from me:

1.) It would be a surprise if the Chiefs kept four quarterbacks;

2.) It would be a surprise if any of these quarterbacks were cut.

I feel fairly confident in both those statements but it doesn't get as any closer to answering the question. I keep coming back to this: The Chiefs drafted Aaron Murray three months ago so they surely had a plan for this situation.

Oh, and I think it would be a surprise if the Chiefs parted ways with Chase Daniel.

2. Will the Chiefs actually keep two kickers?

A league source tells me the #Chiefs are considering keeping two kickers. Obviously have two good ones in Santos and Succop. Teams need Ks.
- Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 26, 2014

Nah, the Chiefs aren't going to keep two kickers. That would be very unusual. I believe this is more about trading one of them. The thing is, the Chiefs could keep two kickers on the roster after they make their cuts this weekend and wait for someone to call before Week 1. That's a possibility. But I don't see them carrying two kickers into the regular season.

3. Who is the third (fourth?) tackle?

A couple things factor into this. The Chiefs will need an extra tackle during the first month of the season to account for Donald Stephenson's suspension. You also have to account for Jeff Allen's ability to play tackle in emergency situations. Eric Fisher is the only lock (besides Stephenson) to make it. Ryan Harris looks like the top candidate for the third tackle.

4. How does Joe Mays' injury factor in?

His injury will keep him out "for a while", according to Andy Reid. That leaves the starting inside linebacker job open. I'm guessing this will be multiple weeks of action or more. Josh Mauga, who was signed this offseason, and Nico Johnson, a 2013 fourth round pick, are vying for the job. Perhaps in a sign they're still tinkering, the Chiefs played Frank Zombo some at inside linebacker recently.

5. How many offensive linemen do the Chiefs keep?

I would put the range at 8-10 players. Obviously, the more linemen you keep, the less options you have at other positions. There will be injuries along the line so the Chiefs have to be prepared for that. Is 10 too many? Or do the Chiefs need all the help they can get on the line?

This looks like the starting five: Eric Fisher, Jeff Allen, Rodney Hudson, Zach Fulton, Donald Stephenson

The rest are competing for 3-5 spots, including Jeff Linkenbach, Ricky Henry, Eric Kush, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Ryan Harris, J'Marcus Webb, and others.

Obviously, the Chiefs will have to factor in the Donald Stephenson suspension. He will not count against the 53-man roster in the first month of the season. That may force them to keep an extra tackle during the first month of the season.

6. Which young receiver(s) makes the team?

The Chiefs obviously have a need at receiver not just this year but down the line as well. They need young receivers on the roster they can develop. Undrafted receiver Albert Wilson looks like a good bet to make the team. Frankie Hammond spent last season on the practice squad and could be another young receiver to make it. Remember, the Chiefs will have to factor in Dwayne Bowe's suspension as he won't count against the roster in Week 1.

7. Will all the rookies make the team?

There's the Aaron Murray question which, as noted above, we don't know have any idea how the Chiefs will handle. Sixth round pick Zach Fulton is a likely starter so he's going to make it. Then there's Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who has been mostly at guard in his Chiefs career. Would he be safe on the practice squad? That could be a debate the Chiefs having now.

The higher picks -- Dee Ford, Phillip Gaines and De'Anthony Thomas -- are all going to make it.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by SNR

Wow. The flu would put Catapano on injured reserve?

Good Christ.

It has to be EBOLA AIDS.

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

#Bills are continuing to shop for QBs, looking for a #2.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 29, 2014

Please take Smith.

FYP

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by SNR

Wow. The flu would put Catapano on injured reserve?

Good Christ.

I don't think they can IR him. He'd have to go on the non-football injury/illness list.

[John Dope]

Originally Posted by SNR

If Berry's playing FS this year, wouldn't Bronson be his backup?

I think he'll play some FS this year. Reid has said he's going to rotate the two starters. Sorenson played in place of Berry all preseason. That's where I was coming from.

[Easy 6]

These guys are being more vague than the ****ing Patriots about Catapano's problem, what the hell man?

He was sick for weeks without a single word about the problem, then we get a report a week ago that he was back and running with the ones... and now of course he's nowhere to be found again.

I cant recall anything quite like this on the Chiefs, wtf?

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Easy 6

These guys are being more vague than the ****ing Patriots about Catapano's problem, what the hell man?

He was sick for weeks without a single word about the problem, then we get a report a week ago that he was back and running with the ones... and now of course he's nowhere to be found again.

I cant recall anything quite like this on the Chiefs, wtf?

Maybe they don't know what's wrong with him?

It's not like "mystery illnesses" are rare these days...

[Exoter175]

Anybody think Bray's "Injuries" are a prelude to him going on IR so we can keep 4 QB's this year so we can get rid of Chase next year and not lose any of our QB's to other PSquads?

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by Exoter175

Anybody think Bray's "Injuries" are a prelude to him going on IR so we can keep 4 QB's this year so we can get rid of Chase next year and not lose any of our QB's to other PSquads?

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

I do say, good sir.

I also don't think Catapano's illness puts him on IR with Love making the roster, that's got to be a joke.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Maybe they don't know what's wrong with him?

It's not like "mystery illnesses" are rare these days...

With all of the top shelf medical help an NFL team has it seems hard to believe they dont have a good idea whats going on.

I just cant recall something being so hush-hush, I mean, if they dont know then come out and say "we dont know"... instead we get complete silence and if he's still so sick then why was he supposedly running with the starters in practice this week?

Its all just really strange IMO.

[RealSNR]

Nick Jacobs continues to try to sell Joe McKnight. I now don't doubt that the Chiefs are considering keeping him over Gray, but that's only because they're prone to stupidity like this. Why the hell would you trust a guy like McKnight who has played an entire season of football in... well, never?

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2014/8...bs-3-0-edition

QB (3)
1. Alex Smith
2. Chase Daniel
3. Tyler Bray
IR: Aaron Murray

Daniel gives the Chiefs a veteran who can help in a pinch if Alex Smith goes down. Bray has improved with his ability to bounce back after failure. He also has the most velocity on the ball so a receiver or back can catch the ball in stride and make a play before the defender gets there. Murray has a ways to go in his development. He has a tendency to lock onto his read until they become open.

RB (4)
1. Jamaal Charles
2. Knile Davis
3. De'Anthony Thomas
4. Joe McKnight
Cut: Cyrus Gray (trade?), Charcandrick West (Practice Squad)

The Chiefs would be wise to go with four backs. Thomas will see reps all over the field at returner, receiver and out of the backfield. So the fourth running back is a must for special teams contributions.

During camp Gray has shown an increase in speed, vision and acceleration through the hole. He's also the personal protector on special teams. Gray is a big part but the Chiefs have been preparing Daniel Sorensen and Albert Wilson for his role in the event the lose him. They're getting prepared for his departure.

McKnight hasn't had the impact you want to see yet but he has picked up where he left off in spring practices. He fits what the Chiefs want to do.

West needs time to develop but the speed is promising.

FB (1)
1. Anthony Sherman
Cut: Jordan Campbell


WR (5)
1. Donnie Avery
2. Albert Wilson
3. Junior Hemingway
4. Kyle Williams
5. Frankie Hammond
Cut: AJ Jenkins, Fred Williams, Mark Harrison (Practice Squad)
Suspension/Reserve: Dwayne Bowe

Andy Reid stated earlier this week that Frankie Hammond or Junior Hemingway would likely see Bowe's reps in Week 1 with Bowe's suspension. Hammond had some issues rounding off his routes in the Vikings game but the loss of Bowe forces him on the roster. Hemingway is a great gunner on special teams. Wilson will likely work out of the slot and is a solid route runner. Williams has been reliable in camp by catching most passes thrown his way and getting consistent separation. Jenkins struggled in camp with injuries and dropped passes so I don't have him on my 53-man roster.

Bowe will be placed on the reserve / suspension list and not count against the 53-man roster in Week 1. De'Anthony Thomas will essentially be the sixth receiver in Week 1.

The third through fifth receivers on this list could get their walking papers if a quality veteran receiver became available during cut downs.


TE (3)
1. Anthony Fasano
2. Travis Kelce
3. Demetrius Harris
Cut: Richard Gordon

Fasano is a veteran presence on a young team and solid blocker. He will come in handy during max protect and helping the tackles slow down the pass rush. Kelce is a mismatch every time he is on the field. He is a playmaker to go along with Jamaal Charles and De'Anthony Thomas. Harris didn't disappear in camp this season. He made plays at times and showed growth to compete in the NFL. Gordon will likely be on speed dial if an injury occurs.

OL (8)
1. Eric Fisher
2. Jeff Allen
3. Rodney Hudson
4. Zach Fulton
5. Eric Kush
6. Mike McGlynn
7. Ryan Harris
8. Ricky Henry
Cut: Jeff Linkenbach, J'Marcus Webb, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (Practice Squad)
Suspension/Reserve: Donald Stephenson


This is the offensive line list for now but it will change if a veteran becomes available during cut downs. There are no sacred cows.

This Chiefs will need to address the depth, possibly looking for another guard and tackle. McGlynn, signed this week, becomes the Chiefs most experienced lineman and knows Reid's scheme and can play guard or center. Battling for a job at left guard, Henry should make the initial roster unless they find an upgrade. Linkenbach is versatile but he struggled at most of the positions against bull rushers.


DE (4)
1. Mike Devito
2. Jaye Howard
3. Allen Bailey
4. Vance Walker
IR: Mike Catapano
Cut: Kona Schwenke

Howard, who has performed well in camp, deserves an opportunity to start at left defensive end. Walker, who can plya multiple positions, can step in at end, too. Catapano's illness has lasted over a month now. Without knowing the details, his ability to contribute this season seems in question at this point.


NT (2)
1. Dontari Poe
2. Dominique Hamilton
Cut: Kyle Love

The surprise here is Hamilton. He has consistently performed from camp through preseason. He is disruptive and is solid against the run. Bottom line, he makes plays. Walker will be able to help out in this rotation. Love just hasn't flashed like Hamilton has at this point.

OLB (4)
1. Tamba Hali
2. Justin Houston
3. Josh Martin
4. Dee Ford
Cut: Devan Walker (Practice Squad)

Martin is a solid special teams contributor and a good rotational pass rusher. He is stronger this season as his work with Hali paid off. Ford has a ways to go in his development as a linebacker but he will contribute immediately on special teams. Ford has a speed rush but he needs to work on counter moves and bull rushes to become a complete pass rusher.


ILB (5)
1. Derrick Johnson
2. Josh Mauga
3. James Michael-Johnson
4. Frank Zombo
5. Joe Mays (IR with designation to return)
Cut: Nico Johnson, Alonzo Highsmith (Practice Squad)


Mauga, who signed shortly before camp and is familiar with Bob Sutton's scheme, has been consistent throughout camp. Michael-Johnson is satisfactory in coverage and has great speed to close the gap on a run. Zombo, an outside linebacker, has been seeing time at inside linebacker as a veteran stopgap with Mays' injury. Zombo is a good contributor on special teams too. The organization has thrown a lot of competition at Nico Johnson and he hasn't been able to put it all together.

Mays must be on the 53-man roster through Saturday and until September 2 at 3 p.m. (Arrowhead Time) before he can be placed on IR with a designation to return so the Chiefs will have to carry his roster spot for the time being.

CB (6)
1. Marcus Cooper
2. Sean Smith
3. Chris Owens
4. Ron Parker
5. Phillip Gaines
6. DeMarcus Van Dyke
Cut: Justin Rogers

In my opinion, Parker would be better suited at the safety position. He has good ball tracking skills and looks comfortable in off coverage. The rookie Gaines will need time to develop but shows promise in press coverage. Van Dyke is a solid gunner on special teams and knows how to use the sidelines against a receiver. He has good instincts and speed.


S (5)
1. Eric Berry
2. Husain Abdullah
3. Malcolm Bronson
4. Kelcie McCray
5. Daniel Sorenson
Cut: Jonathan Amaya

Bronson is a versatile special team performer. He can play in the nickel position and has shown promise as a safety. Traded for last week, McCray is a veteran presence on the backend if Berry or Abdullah get hurt. Sorenson will be a big contributor on special teams and could replace Cyrus Gray's role depending on what happens there.


Specialist (3)
1. Cairo Santos
2. Dustin Colquitt
3. Thomas Gafford

Santos gets the nod because of the cap relief with all other things equal. He may not have the experience as Succop but you don't gain that until they actually let you play. Santos has the leg, great contact on the football and was consistent throughout camp.


Practice Squad
1. Charcandrick West
2. Mark Harrison
3. Devan Walker
4. Alonzo Highsmith
5. Jairus Campbell
6. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Note that the Chiefs can have 10 players on the practice squad this year, up from eight last year. There will be players from other teams available, too

[TribalElder]

So bray is getting stashed on IR

nice

[TribalElder]

Originally Posted by Exoter175

Anybody think Bray's "Injuries" are a prelude to him going on IR so we can keep 4 QB's this year so we can get rid of Chase next year and not lose any of our QB's to other PSquads?

yes

[Stewie]

To the long AP article. I think he's confusing Bray and Murray. Bray was injured and would be the one to go on IR.

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by TribalElder

yes

I wish we'd just trade away Chase to St. Louis or something. We don't want or need him here in KC, and STL fans would eat him up and love him forever with Sam out.